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Immobilization of Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) Using Thiafenthanil Oxalate (A-3080) in Combination with Xylazine and Ketamine

Jonathan Pérez Flores1,2

1 Africam Safari. km 16.5 Boulevard Capitán Carlos Camacho s/n, Valsequillo, . C.P. 72960. E-mail: [email protected] 2 El Colegio de la Frontera Sur. Av. Centenario km 5.5, Chetumal, Quintana Roo. C.P. 77014. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract combined with alpha-two agonists, butyrophenones, benzodiazepines, phenotiazines and cyclohexamines wide variety of drug combinations have been in order to reduce adverse effects (Caulkett et al., Aused to immobilize captive and free ranging 2000; Ramdohr et al., 2001; Roffe et al., 2001; tapirs. Most of these anesthetic procedures combine Miller et al., 2003; Lance, 2012). In the last 20 opioids with alpha 2 agonists, cyclohexamines or years thiafentanil oxalate (A-3080), a highly potent neuroleptic agents. Thiafentanil oxalate (A3080) opioid, has demonstrated its efficacy to immobilize is a synthetic opioid that has been used in several non-domestic hoofed species such as nyala (Nyala species of non-domestic hoofstock. It´s effects have angasii; Cooper et al., 2005), (Aepyceros not been previously described on Baird´s Tapir melampus; Janssen et al.,1991), greater kudu (Tapirus bairdii). This study reports the use of (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), (Syncerus a combination of thiafentanil oxalate (1 mg/100 caffer), klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus), eland kg), xylazine (1 mg/kg) and ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) (Taurotragus oryx), (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), (TXK) in two adult tapirs, and a combination of (Cervus canadiensis), oribi (Ourebia ourebi), thiafentanil (1 mg/100 kg) and xylazine (0.70 mg/ reedbuck (Redunca sp; Lance and Kenny, 2012), kg) (TX) in another adult tapir. The individuals pronghorn (Antilocapra americana; Kreeger et al., receiving TXK were reversed with naltrexone (10 2001), Uganda kob (Kobus kob thomasi; Caulkett et mg/mg thiafentanil) and yohimbine (0.125 mg/ al., 2006), mule (Odocoileus hemionus; Caulkett kg), while those receiving TX was reversed with et al., 2006; Wolfe et al., 2004), Tibetan yak (Bos naltrexone (10 mg/mg thiafentanil) and atipamezole grunniens; Alcantar et al., 2007), Roan antelope (1 mg/10 mg xylazine). The induction time was 3-5 (Hippotragus equinus; Citino et al., 2001), giraffe min, the recovery time was 4-5 min and the total (Giraffa camelopardalis; Citino et al., 2006), gemsbok time of anesthesia was 40-120 min. Physiological (Oryx gazella; Grobler et al., 2001), axis deer (Axis parameters are similar to those reported in studies axis; Smith et al., 2005), Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus that include opioids in the anesthetic protocol. The elaphus nelsoni; Stanley et al., 1988), rhebok (Pelea TX combination produced low oxygen saturation caoreolus; Howard et al., 2004), (Bos gaurus; values that recquired suplemmentary oxygen. In Napier et al., 2007) and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest conclusion, TXK and TX provided a fast and smooth (Sigmoceros lichtensteinii; Citino et al., 2002). induction and recovery time. Additionally TXK is The shortened induction time and the larger safety an effective and safe option to immobilize wild and margin are the principal advantages of thiafentanil captive animals with poor body condition. compared to other opiods (Lance and Kenny, 2012; Wolfe et al., 2004). However, when it is used as the sole Keywords: A-3080, immobilization, opioids, Baird´s agent, thiafentanil can induce muscle rigidity (Grobler tapir, thiafentanil. et al., 2001). The combination of thiafentanil with alpha-two agonists and ketamine induces a good quality anesthesia with minimal disturbance of physiologic Introduction parameters, and improves muscle relaxation and analgesia (Grobler et al., 2001; Cittino et al, 2006). ince 1960´s opioids have been used for immobilizing Although Lance (2012) mentioned that Perissodactyla Slarge and heavy animals. The three most commonly remain refractory to this drug, the immobilization of used in wildlife medicine are fentanyl, etorphine and rhinoceros in the field is becoming more common in carfentanil (Kreeger, 1997). These drugs have been . In the case of tapirs, the effects of thiafentanil have

Tapir Conservation n The Newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Tapir Specialist Group n Vol. 22 n No. 31 n Dec 2013 16 CONSERVATION MEDICINE not been previously described, and most anesthetic protocols for these species are based on opioids such as etorphine (Parás et al., 1996; Kreeger, 1997; Lambethh, 1998) carfentanil ( Miller- Edge and Ansel, 1994), and butorphanol (Trim et al., 1998; Foerster et al., 2000; Velastin, 2004; Hernandez-Divers et al., 2005; Tobler et al., 2006; Bernal et al., 2008). The anesthetic protocol preferred may depend on where the animal is going to be capture, drug availability and the experience of the personnel who perform the immobilization. Here, we report data from four immobilizations of Baird´s tapir in using thiafentanil.

Materials and methods

he study was conducted at three Tdifferent sites in Mexico. The first two immobilizations were realized at Figure 1. Intramuscular administration of the antagonists in the second Payo Obispo in Chetumal, Quintana immobilization at Payo Obispo zoo. Photo: Payo Obispo zoo Roo (18º 31’ 17.72’’ N and 88º 18’ and ketamine (0.5 mg/kg; various sources). This 9.73’’W). An adult male (Total Body Weight, TBW= cocktail was delivered intramuscularly (IM) via single 161 kg) rescued from a fire in the locality of Nuevo use, 3 ml darts shot from a CO2-powered rifle (Dan Tabasco was brought to the facilities of the zoo for a Inject). In all applications, A-3080 was antagonized clinical evaluation. The specimen was anesthetized with the use of naltrexone HCl (IM; 10 mg to every twice in six months (June-December 2011). The third one mg of thiafentanil delivered; trexonil, Wildlife immobilization was done in the village of Emiliano Pharmaceuticals Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado,USA ), Zapata, near Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (CBR), and xylazine was antagonized with yohimbine (IM; Campeche (18º 31’ 16.92’’ N and 89º 40’ 32.94’’ W). 0.125mg/kg; various sources). An adult male tied by the villagers (estimated weight For the last anesthethic procedure we used a 150kg) was translocated to the core area of the reserve. combination of A-3080 (1 mg/100 kg) and xylazine The last immobilization was made at Africam Safari (0.70 mg/kg; Procin Equus, Laboratorios PISA zoo in Puebla (18º 56’ 8.94’’ N and 98º 7’ 59.69’’ W). farmaceutica, Mexico). A-3080 was antagonized with An adult female (TBW= 212 kg) was immobilized for the same dose of naltrexone used for the three clinical examination. previous cases, while xylazine was antagonized with The first three immobilizations were performed atipamezole (1 mg to every 10 mg of xylazine delivered; with a combination of thiafentanil A-3080 (1 mg/100 Antisedan, Pfizer). The drugs were delivered IM, with kg; Thianil, Wildlife Pharmaceuticals Inc., Fort Collins, a 3ml dart shot from a CO2-powered blow pipe (Dan Colorado,USA), xylazine (1 mg/kg; Cervizine, Wildlife Inject). We recorded induction time (period elapsed Pharmaceuticals Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado,USA ) between injection and sternal recumbency), recovery Table 1. Basic anesthetic parameters of four immobilizations of Tapirus bairdii with TXK and TX T=Thiafentanil; X=Xylazine; K=Ketamine; M=Male; F=Female Payo Obispo (M) Payo Obispo (M) Zapata (M) Africam Safari (F) Average values 1st Immobilization 2nd Immobilization TXK TX TXK TXK Induction time (min) 4 5 4 3 Total time of anesthesia (min) 106 94 120 40 Recovery time (min) 5 5 5 4 Body temperature (ºC) 36.9-37.9 36.2 33.4-37.8 37- 37.2 Respiration rate (bpm) 13-19 20-24 45536 43374 Heart Rate (bpm) 33-75 51-84 86-128 54-101 Oxygen saturation (%) 80-90 86-94 - 49-89

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Table 2. Comparison of anesthetic parameters of different immobilizations using opioids T=Thiafentanil; X=Xylazine; K=Ketamine; C=Carfentanil; E=Etorphine; A=Acetylpromazine; D=Detomidine; AM= Acepromazine maleate; B=Butorphanol. Hernandez-Divers This study Miller et al., 1994 Parás et al., 1996 Pollock, 2003 Lira et al., 2008 Average values et al.,1998 TXK CXK EA DC EAM BX Number of individuals (n) 3 6 5 16 1 4 Induction time (min) 3-5 5.5 3-6 5-34 3.5-18.35 3 Total time of immobilization (min) 40-120 106.3 40.5 13-60 10-20 60 Recovery time (min) 4-5 4.3 4 0-26 2-5 - Body temperature (ºC) 36.2-37.9 - 37-37.4 35.5-38.6 36.4-37.2 - Respiration rate (bpm) 10-24 13 12-27.5 8-50 12-15 - Heart rate (bpm) 33-101 82.5 - 28-108 40-55 - time (period elapsed between the administration of the The tapir immobilized at Emiliano Zapata antagonists and stand up), heart rate, respiration rate, presented a poor body condition and had been rectal temperature and oxygen saturation. under a prologend period of stress (tied for 20 hrs), was anesthetised and reverted with the same doses described before. The induction time was 4 min and Results the recovery time 5 min. In this case the total elapsed time was longer (120 min), due to the translocation he first two immobilizations were performed in of the individual from the village to the core area of the same animal with the combination of TXK and T the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (30 km in straight reverted with naltrexone and yohimbine. The first time line). During the final minutes the animal began to the individual was skinny, dehydrated, debilitated and make slight movements of the head. Once the reversal not responsive. A clinical examination was necessary agents were administered, the individual stood up and to determine the health status of the tapir. For the walked away through the jungle, after 8 days of the second immobilization the animal had gained 20 kg immobilization, the radiocollared tapir was observed (TBW=170 kg), and the procedure was shorter (first a few kilometers from the release point exhibiting 106 min and second 94 min). The induction time of the normal behaviour. two events was 4-5 min, and the recovery time 5 min. In all the cases, TXK produced a safe and Physiologic values were stable and no suplemmentary effective immobilization with minimum alterations drugs were needed (Table 1). of physiological parameters (heart rate, respiration rate and body temperature). For the last anesthethic procedure we used a TX combination. The induction time (3 min) and recovery time (4 min) were shorter than the other anesthetic events. Physiologic values were generally stable, although low oxygen saturation values sometimes occurred (49% to 89%; Table 1). After two hours of observation the individual behaviour was normal, no alterations or health problems were observed in subsequent eight weeks. Both anesthetic protocols allowed morphometric measures to be taken, as well as blood samples, swabs for microbiological analysis, tissue samples, fecal samples, collect ectoparasites and in the case of the translocated tapir, we also placed a radiocollar.

Discussion

ne objective of this study was to evaluate the Ophysiologic effects of this cocktail in Baird´s tapir. The combination of TXK shows to be effective for immobilizing captive and free-ranging tapirs. Compared Figure 2. Placing the pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen with previous studies the combination of thiafentanil saturation and pulse from an immobilized tapir with with an alpha 2 agonist and ketamine produced a TXK at Payo Obispo zoo. Photo: Payo Obispo zoo

Tapir Conservation n The Newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Tapir Specialist Group n Vol. 22 n No. 31 n Dec 2013 18 CONSERVATION MEDICINE good quality anesthesia with minimal disturbance of Acknowledgements physiologic parameters (Citino et al., 2001; Grobler et al., 2001). Induction time was similar to those already his work was a collaboration between El Colegio de reported when opioids were used in tapirs (Miller et Tla Frontera Sur, University of Sherbrooke, Africam al., 1994; Parás et al.,1996; Lira et al., 2008)(Table 2). Safari Zoo and Payo Obispo Zoo. The author thanks This is one of the principal advantages that narcotics to Ph D Sophie Calmé and Ph D Rafael Reyna for the have in comparison to the combination of butorphanol early revisions of this work. I am very grateful with the with an alpha-2-adrenergic, and the combination of capture team: Mauro Sanvicente, Nicolas Arias, Natalia tiletamina-zolazepam with an alpha-2-adrenergic and Carrillo, Antonio Jasso and Marcos Briseño. Special atropine in which induction time is of 15 to 20 minutes thanks for the authorities of the Calakmul Biosphere (Foerster et al., 2000; Velastin et al., 2004; Hernandez- Reserve especially Jose Zuñiga and Miguel Alvaro for Divers et al., 2007). This characteristic is desirable in substantial support in the case of Zapata. Thanks for the anesthesia of free-ranging animals where habitat all the personnel of Africam Safari and the Payo Obispo conditions are dangerous. In comparison with other Zoo. I would also like to thank DVM Ivonne Cassaigne protocols that present premature arousals and need the for the help and tips about immobilization. administration of supplementary drugs like ketamine (Foerster et al., 2000; Hernandez-Divers et al., 2007) this combination could be used for short and long References immobilizations (total time of anesthesia 40-120 min) Alcantar, B.E., McClean, M., Chirife, A.D., et al. 2007. without the addition of supplementary drugs. Immobilization of Tibetan yak (Bos gunnies) using Lance and Kenny (2012) reported spontaneous A3080 (Thiafentanil) and xylazine in a wildlife park. recovery in Elk in 27 to 106 minutes from an initial In Proceedings of the American Association of Zoo dose of thiafentanil oxalate without the use of an Veterinarians Conference. pp. 47-48. antagonist. In the case of the tapir immobilized in Bernal, L.A., Orjuela-Acosta, D., Rodriguéz, A. and Lizcano, Zapata, after 100 minutes of being administered the D.J. 2008. Chemical restraint, hematology and blood cocktail, the animal started to move its head and be parasites of free ranging Mountain Tapirs in the more alert. This is likely due to a low dosage and Central of Colombia. Proceedings of the Fourth the rapid absorption and fast metabolism of the International Tapir Symposium Xcaret, Quintana components. Roo, Mexico. Available at: http://www.tapirs.org Recovery was quick and uneventful in all Caulkett, N.A., Cribb, P.H., Haigh, J.C. 2000. Comparative animals. The shorter recovery time (3 min) was cardiopulmonary effects of carfentanil-xylazine and associated with the use of atipamezole which is more medetomidine-ketamine used for immobilization of potent and more selective than yohimbine (Kreeger mule deer and mule deer/white-tailed deer hybrids. Can et al., 1997). This is an important consideration J Vet Res. 64:64–68. Citino, S.B., Bush, M., Grobler, D. and Lance, W. 2001. when we are designing the anesthethic protocol for Anaesthesia of roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) immobilizing tapirs in risky habitats, in our experience with a combination of A3080, medetomidine and the combination of butorphanol and xylazine have a ketamine. J. S. Afr. Vet. Assoc. 72: 29-32. prolonged recovery time (15 min), which increases Citino, S.B., Bush, M., Grobler, D. and Lance, W.R. 2002. the risk of drowning, injury or predation. There are Anesthesia of boma-captured Lichtenstein’s hartebeest few reports on the immobilization of cachectic and (Sigmoceros lichtensteinii) with a combination of underweight tapirs (Hernandez-Divers et al., 2005). thiafentanil, medetomidine, and ketamine. J. Wildl. Dis. In this study two animals presented poor physical 38:457-462. condition, however immobilization produced by TXK Cooper, D.V., Grobler, D., Bush, M., Jessup, D. and demonstrated to be safe and adequate in these cases. Lance, W. 2005. Anaesthesia of nyala (Tragelaphus The use of opioids to immobilize free-ranging angasi) with a combination of thiafentanil (A3080), animals is common, they produce rapid induction, medetomidine, and ketamine. J. S. Afr. Vet. Assoc. are fully reversible and have minimal disturbance 76:18-21. of physiologic parameteres. In tapirs it´s use is Foerster, S.H., Bailey, J.E., Aguilar, R., Loria, D.L. and controversial, Janssen (2003) mentioned that the poor Foerster, C.R. 2000. Butorphanol/xylazine/ketamine oxygen saturation and the risk to personnel were the immobilization of free-ranging Baird’s tapirs in Costa principal reasons for the decrease in the use of these Rica. Journal of Wildlife Disease. 36:335-341. narcotics. The combination of thiafentanil with other Grobler, D., Bush, M., Jessup, D. and Lance, W. 2001. drugs appears to be an alternative for captive and Anaesthesia of gemsbok (Oryx gazelle) with a combination of A3080, medetomidine and ketamine. J. free ranging tapirs, further studies are necessary to S. Afr. Vet. Assoc. 72:81-83. know all the physiologic effects of thiafentanil in all Hernández-Divers, S., J., Bailey, R., Aguilar, D., Loria y C., Perissodactyls. Foerster. 1998. Cardiopulmonary effects and utility of a butorphanol/xylazine/ketamine anesthethic protocol for

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